Construction has begun on Perry & Main, a $38 million transit-oriented, mixed-use development that will create 53 units of affordable housing in the Village of Port Jefferson.
Located at Perry Street and Main Street, the housing project will replace two vacant properties with a three-story residential and commercial development to complete the revitalization of a prominent corner of Main Street close to public transportation.
“Perry & Main demonstrates my administration’s commitment to ensuring more New Yorkers have access to high-quality affordable housing in communities where they can thrive,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “By bringing this modern development to a key corner in the village’s downtown next to transit, we can connect the building’s residents to opportunities, support local businesses and the workforce, and continue Port Jefferson’s revitalization. Perry & Main is an example of growth and affordability working together to create the stable homes and strong communities people deserve.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “A safe and accessible place to live should be a right, not a privilege, for all New Yorkers. This $38 million investment will help revitalize a key neighborhood near Port Jefferson’s LIRR Station while combating rising costs throughout Long Island.”
The newly constructed mixed-income development will include 33 one-bedroom apartments and 20 two-bedroom apartments affordable to households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income, as well as nearly 2,300 square feet of commercial space.
Five units will be set aside for residents with developmental disabilities, with on-site support services, such as education and training on tenant rights and responsibilities, provided by ACDS and operating funding from the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Veterans will be given preference for another five units. The project will also include six units to accommodate residents with mobility disabilities and two units for residents with sensory disabilities.
“The dream of having your own space to call home should be attainable for all New Yorkers, including those with developmental disabilities,” New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer said.
LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn and Dr. Kimberly R. Cline said, “The future of Long Island depends on creating communities where people at every stage of life can find a place to call home and remain connected to the people, services and opportunities around them. With homes for veterans and residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities alongside new commercial space, Perry & Main reflects the inclusive, community-centered growth we want to see across the region.”
Located one block from the Port Jefferson Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station, Perry & Main will provide its residents with access to employment opportunities across Long Island and New York City. The development will advance the priorities of Port Jefferson’s Urban Renewal Plan and 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update while furthering the State’s Workforce Opportunity Goals.
Amenities available to residents will include a fitness room, outdoor space, and a community room with skyline views.
The all-electric building’s sustainability features include Energy Star appliances in every unit, Energy Star lighting, air-source heat pumps for highly efficient heating and cooling, and semi-central energy recovery ventilators for energy-efficient fresh indoor air.
Conifer Realty, LLC will serve as the developer of Perry & Main. Community Development Long Island will serve as the nonprofit sponsor and co-managing member, providing support with development, local approvals, marketing, and management.
“Perry & Main is the kind of development Long Island needs more of — transforming underutilized, vacant buildings into thriving residential and commercial spaces,” Conifer Realty Senior Vice President, New York Development Lisa Kaseman said. “The village of Port Jefferson has been an outstanding partner from day one. … Perry & Main won’t solve that on its own, but 53 families will have a home because of the collective efforts of our state and local partners.”
Community Development Long Island President & CEO Gwen O’Shea said, “Perry & Main brings that vision to life by blending family, workforce and supportive housing in the walkable and transit-oriented community of Port Jefferson. Strong communities are places where people of different incomes, ages, backgrounds and abilities all have stable housing and we are incredibly proud this community is making that a reality.”
Financing includes a mix of public and private sources, including federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from HCR that are expected to generate more than $18 million in equity. The project also benefits from nearly $7 million in HCR subsidies. Empire State Development is supporting the project with $3 million through the Long Island Investment Fund, recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, as well as $2 million through the Restore New York Communities Initiative awarded to the village of Port Jefferson to help revitalize underutilized residential and commercial properties.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “This $38 million project with 53 affordable, inclusively designed apartments right next to transit represents countless new opportunities for the development’s residents.”
“In the midst of an affordability crisis, affordable housing options are key to making life on Long Island feasible, especially for young professionals, working families, and our seniors,” Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson) said. “The inclusion of units with features for residents with hearing and vision impairments is important to ensure supportive housing options for our neighbors with varying needs. This mixed-use development will take the place of the blighted, vacant buildings currently on this property, and in doing so, create a safe and reliable living option for folks to live and work in our community, or to utilize nearby public transit to commute.”
Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow said, “Port Jefferson’s South Village is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and Conifer’s projects are leading the way in the southernmost portion of our Village. Perry & Main will replace long-vacant, blighted properties with quality housing, new commercial space and a more welcoming gateway into the Village we love. Its location near the LIRR station strengthens the connection between housing, transportation and our downtown, while bringing new life and opportunity to this important area.”